News

A library is for life - not just for christmas

Hackney Council’s libraries are a fantastic community resource – with over a quarter of a million books, 57,000 DVDs and CDs just waiting to be borrowed, and all for FREE!

At a time when we are all having to tighten our belts Hackney Council wants to encourage people to pay a visit to one of its eight libraries to see what’s on offer.

Libraries have been changing over the last few years in bid to give people more of what they want. They are open longer hours - with three libraries open Sundays. Clapton library has recently been refurbished offering customers a modern comfortable environment and within a superb listed building.

Did you know that Hackney libraries have regular book promotions, reading groups and stock best sellers? Did you know there are over 150 PCs and with FREE internet access. Young people can also take advantage of the homework resources. All our libraries offer quiet study space and a wide range of study materials.

Over 70,000 people are currently members of Hackney libraries. To encourage more people to join, the Council is inviting people to a series of open day events in Hackney libraries.

The first, on Saturday 4 December is the Libraries for Life Winter Fayre at Hackney Central Library. Find out more about what the library offers and enjoy a range of activities, from head massage to jewelry making. Hear live music and enjoy good food. Children will get the chance to meet Father Christmas and try and make Scrooge smile for a prize. And, there will be information stalls, book displays and much more.

Anyone joining the library or borrowing a book on the day will be entered into a competition to win a family ticket to Hackney Empire’s Christmas pantomime.

Hackney Council s Cabinet Member for Community Services, Councillor Jonathan McShane said: “The Council wants to encourage more people to join and use Hackney libraries. There is a lot on offer from borrowing books and using the internet to reading groups and activities in the school holidays. We are holding a series of open days so you can talk to library staff about your local library. Come along, you might be surprised at what happens in your local library.”